MINTRAC logo MINTRAC become a MINTRAC Associate
National Meat Industry Training Advisory Council Limited

Traineeships

Information for employers and trainers

Australian Apprenticeship Centres

Australian Apprenticeships is the term used to describe traineeships and apprenticeships.

Australian Apprenticeships Centres are contracted by the Australian Government to provide one-stop shops for those seeking to hire Australian Apprentices or to take up an Australian Apprenticeship as a career path.

Australian Apprenticeships Centres:

  • provide assistance to employers, Australian Apprentices and training providers throughout the duration of the Australian Apprenticeship
  • market and promote Australian Apprenticeships in the local area
  • administer incentive payments to employers
  • work with the State and Territory Training Authorities to provide an integrated service
  • establish effective relationships with Job Services Australia providers, Group Training Organisations, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), schools and community organisations.

Australian Apprenticeships Centres provide information, administration services and support to employers and Australian Apprentices. They assist with the signing of training contracts and also, assess, approve and process the payment of Australian Government incentives to eligible employers, and personal benefits to eligible Australian Apprentices specifically to assist them in the early years of their Australian Apprenticeship when their wages are generally at their lowest.

Australian Apprenticeships Centres also provide information which may assist employers and/or Australian Apprentices with Australian Apprenticeships placements. Australian Apprenticeships Centres will be able to refer such enquiries to appropriate organisations such as Job Placement Organisations and Group Training Organisations who will be able to assist them with their enquiries.

Find an Australian Apprenticeship Centre

Strategies for supporting trainees

It is important to remember that most trainees are new to the industry, and in fact are probably new to any sort of job or working environment. It would be a mistake to assume that they have the same work habits, expectations, and knowledge, and capabilities as the rest of your workforce. Often they are young, and part of a completely different generation to managers, supervisors and other more experienced employees.

Some strategies for Trainers and Training Managers to provide more support to and for trainees might include the following.

  • Make sure Trainers and Managers know each trainee by name and the trainees feel a part of the organisation.
  • Give trainees an overview of the industry and what their role is.
  • Explain why something needs to be done.
  • Monitor new trainees for problems such as fatigue, muscle soreness, strains.
  • Give trainees a workplace 'buddy'.
  • Provide trainees with at least one day of dedicated induction training.
  • Be honest about career pathways in the organisation.
  • Make sure Trainers and Managers are approachable, and respectful of trainees.
  • Make sure supervisors and leading hands know who trainees are.
  • Make sure other employees don’t undermine company attempts to make trainees feel welcome.
  • It is important to implement strategies and policies such as those outlined above early in the traineeship.

Download the "Strategies for supporting trainees" (PDF) for more information.

Useful links for employers of trainees

Australian Apprenticeships - The national Australian Apprenticeships Centres website.

Australian Flexible Learning Framework - This website is a guide to e-learning which may be useful to companies seeking to introduce e-learning training strategies.

www.training.com.au - This website is a very good resource for anyone wanting information about training and traineeships. It is very clear, easy to read and follow. Particularly good for people who are new to training and traineeships.

training.gov.au - A good site for finding out information about training packages, qualification and training providers.

NSW State Training Services - Apprenticeships and Traineeships specific site, good for RTOs or employers, as well as trainees who are interested in legislation and/or the responsibilities of parties in a traineeship.

Department of Education and Training - QLD - This Queensland government page is relevant for employers and trainees. In particular there are lots of newsletters that can be viewed and downloaded.